Hunter Residents Can Now be Hit with $11,000 Fine for Leaving the Home Without 'Reasonable Excuse'

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Hunter residents can now be hit with an $11,000 fine for leaving the home without a reasonable excuse, under tough new measures introduced over night.

Acceptable excuses include obtaining food or other goods and services; travelling for work or education if the person cannot do it at home; exercise; and medical or caring reasons.

Travelling for the purposes of attending childcare or school, including picking up or dropping off another person is also permitted.

Attending a wedding or a funeral under certain circumstances, moving to or inspecting a new place of residence, providing emergency assistance, donating blood and undertaking legal obligations are also permitted.

Accessing public services including social, employment, domestic violence, mental health and services provided to victims are also allowed.

Children who do not live in the same household as parents or siblings can continue with existing arrangements to keep in contact with family members.

A person who is a priest, minister of religion or member of a religious order can go to the person’s place of worship or provide pastoral care to another person.

Penalties for an individual who fails to comply include a fine of up to $11,000, six months jail, or both, plus a further $5500 fine each day the offence continues. 

Corporations that fail to comply are liable to a fine of $55,000 and $27,500 each day the offence continues. 

                               Image Credit: City of Newcastle

Man Facing Court Over Police Pursuit Through Lake Macquarie

BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court today over a police pursuit through Lake Macquarie.

Officers noticed a blue Ford Falcon reported missing from Forster outside a home in Leicester Street Belmont North at about 3pm on Monday.

As they were making enquiries, it's alleged a 32-year-old man got into the car and drove off at speed.

The officers gave chase, with the car allegedly reaching 110 km/h in a 60 zone and running a red light before before stopping at the intersection of the Pacific Highway and South Street at Windale, where the man was arrested.

He's been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today charged with police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously and driving while unlicensed.

Concerns Hunter Private Hospitals will Close Without Government Funding, Amid Corona Virus Pandemic

BY SAMANTHA COOKE

Labor is calling on the Government to protect private hospitals across the Hunter and NSW from any possible closures, due to financial concerns caused by COVID-19.

In order to assist effectively with Corona virus patients, elective surgery procedures have now ceased. 

Labor is concerned these actions are causing financial strain on the hospitals, believing some will close their doors in a matter of weeks if the Government does not intervene.

Shadow Minister for Health, Ryan Park, is anxious to see Australia's hospital system stay strong during a time when all hands on deck are needed.

"The reality is private hospitals are at breaking point after the decision was made not to continue elective surgery," Mr Park said.

"They essentially became very quickly financially not viable to continue... and that's the last thing we want."

Accounting for 30 per cent of all beds in the health system of NSW, private hospitals hold valuable resources that are necessary during the outbreak. 

"We cannot allow private hospitals, in the middle of a pandemic, to sack front-line nurses and doctors, when we're going to need all the resources we can muster to fight this pandemic," he said.

"We want the NSW Government to urgently sit down with the private hospitals today with the Commonwealth and sort this issue out of funding." 

"It is absolutely paramount, on behalf of everyone in the community, the Government makes this a priority."

A spokesperson for Healthscope, the organisation which oversees Newcastle Private Hospital said;

“With the impending suspension of non-urgent elective surgery, we are doing everything we can to keep all our nursing staff employed and available to support the national COVID-19 response, across all of Healthscope’s 43 hospitals around the country. 

"We are in discussions with Federal and State governments on measures that will support private hospitals to adjust to the suspension of elective surgery, and ensure they remain available to play a role in the nation’s response to the pandemic."

Photo from https://www.hospitalsaccommodation.com/newcastle/newcastle-private-hospital.php 

BREAKING! Man Points Loaded Speer Gun At Police At Mirrabooka

BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court today accused of pointing a loaded spear gun at police at Mirrabooka.

Police say a 43-year-old man tried to gain entry to his neighbour's home in Mooranga Road at about 8.40pm on Sunday and began elling at the homeowner.

Officers arrived and found the man on the front yard of the property where it's alleged he pointed the loaded spear gun at them.

A struggle ensued and the man was arrested.

He's been refused bail to face Toronto Local Court today charged with affray, armed with intent to commit indictable offence, assault and resist officer in execution of duty.

Search Under Way For Missing Macquarie Hills Man

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are appealing for public help to find man who's gone missing from Macquarie Hills.

23-year-old Anthony Maybury was last seen at his home on Exford Avenue last Monday morning, 23 March 2020, and hasn't been heard from since making contact with his girlfriend later that day.

Anthony is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall with a solid build and brown hair.

Anyone who knows his whereabouts is urged to contact Toronto Police Station.

Missing Man Anthony (Tony) Maybury

BREAKING! Motorhome Goes Up In Flames At Stockton

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are investigating a fire which destroyed a motor home at Stockton overnight.

Firefighters were called to Fullerton Street just after midnight on Monday to find the vehicle, which was parked on the street, well alight.

It's taken them about 30 minutes to extinguish the flames.

Anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area at the time is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

UPDATE! Police Renew Appeal For Help To Find Missing Hunter Valley Man And Child

BY IAN CROUCH

Police say the missing man and child were found safe and well early Wednesday morning at Moree.

EARLIER:

There are serious concerns for a Hunter Valley man and child who've been missing since Tuesday morning.

57-year-old Michael Lantry and 4-year-old Conner Lanrty were last seen boarding a bus on Wollombi Road at Millfield bound for Cessnock at about 8.30am on Tuesday 24 March 2020.

However , the pair failed to return home.

Michael is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall with a thin build, blue eyes, grey hair and a beard.

He was last seen wearing jeans, a grey jumper and joggers.

Conner is about 100cm tall with a thin build, blonde hair and blue eyes and was last seen wearing a 'Ben 10' backpack.

If you've seen them, call Triple Zero immediately.

Missing Michael and Conner Lantry.  Police say Mr Lantry has trimmed his beard since this photo was taken

Holidaymakers Put Port Stephens at Risk of Coronavirus

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Port Stephens community has expressed concerns regarding an influx of tourists in the Easter period despite Federal Government advice to avoid all non-essential travel due to the threat of COVID-19.

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington said accommodation providers have been encouraging travelers to self-isolate or avoid the spread of disease in tourist hotspots such as Port Stephens.

"Port Stephens has a beautiful and welcoming community," said Ms Washington. "But we also have a vulnerable community who need to be protected from this virus."

Communities such as Tea Gardens / Hawks Nest are among the oldest in Australia.

Ms Washington said the State Government must outline clear and unambiguous restrictions on movement for the sake of at-risk communities such as hers.

While those diagnosed with coronavirus or returned from overseas face police fines if they breach self-quarantine or public health orders, the distinction between what constitutes essential travel and what doesn't isn't so clear cut.

"The Victorian Government, the Queensland Government - they have made clear directions about caravaning and camping in their states on public land. We have not seen the same from the Premier, nor from the Prime Minister at a federal level."

Without official restrictions on non-essential travel, Ms Washington is urging tourists to make the right decision in the upcoming holiday season.

"In the current circumstances, we have to put lives before livelihood. This call is a very difficult one to make for everyone, but we just can't afford to have the influx of tourists that we usually see at Easter in these areas."

"My message to holidaymakers is very simple: please, protect Port Stephens, and postpone your trip."

There are currently 1219 confirmed cases of coronavirus in NSW, and 103 in the Hunter New England Health District, five of which were located in the Port Stephens LGA.

Image credit: https://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/

Man Wanted After Coughing On Raymond Terrace Supwermarket Worker

BY IAN CROUCH

Port Stephens police have issued a description of a man wanted for coughing on a supermarket worker at Raymond Terrace.

Police say the man became involved in a verbal altercation with the 35-year-old woman at the check out of the Woolworths Store in Glenelg Street on Tuesday night when he deliberately coughed on her.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 170 and 180cm tall with a shaved head and goatee-style facial hair.

He was wearing cream shorts and black thongs.

Police Minister, David Elliott has urged anyone with information to come forward, saying this kind of behaviour won't be tolerated during strict COVID-19 health restrictions.

"This kind of behaviour needs to stop immediately. It's potentially putting the lives of workers and their families at risk. For a disgusting act like this, you could find yourself charged with common assault and gaoled for up to two years," he said.

Meanwhile, a 52-year-old Edgeworth woman will be sentenced on Monday after pleading guilty to spitting 3 times on a Coles worker at Charlestown Square on Tuesday.

Police say this man coughed on a supermarket worker at Raymomd Terrace

Redhead Woman Fined For Breaching Covid Quarantine Order

BY IAN CROUCH

A REDHEAD woman has been fined after being found in breach of new COVID-19 Public Health quarantine laws.

The 65-year-old arrived at Sydney Airport on a flight from Bali last Saturday and was ordered to self isolate for 14 days.

On Monday, Lake Macquarie Police received information the woman had contravened the order and issued her with a warning.

However, she ventured out of her home yesterday.

She's been issued with a $1000 infringement notice. 

Emergency Services Called To Crash At Muswellbrook and Tanker Jackknifed On Hunter Expressway

BY IAN CROUCH

Emergency services have been called to a serious crash at Muswellbrook.

Two cars collided on Thomas Mitchell Drive just south of the Mount Arthur turnoff at about 5.00am on Thursday.

It's understood one the cars is on it's side and Thomas Mitchell Drive is blocked in both directions.

NSW Ambulance says no-one has been seriously injured.

Meanwhile, a petrol tanker has jackknifed and collided with the rear of a car on the Hunter Expressway near Heddon Greta.

The crash is affecting northbound lanes and motorists are being advised to proceed with caution.

It's understood the petrol tanker is empty but around 30 litres of hydraulic oil has spilled onto the road.

Newcastle University Nursing Students to Support Health System During Corona-virus Pandemic

BY KEELY JOHNSON

Medical and Nursing students in their final year at the Universality of Newcastle are preparing to support health care workers deal with the Corona-virus pandemic, as unprecedented strain on the industry continues to increase.

Students were set to undergo clinical placement this week, however, they have since been put on hold.

General Secretary of the NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association, Brett Holmes, says whilst tertiary students will provide a much-needed helping hand, as demand on the health system in Hospitals and aged-care facilities continues to rise, registered nurses should be employed first.

"We do call upon the Hunter New England local health district to make sure that it has employed as many of our qualified nurses as possible, before they start using students out of the University," says Mr Holmes.

"When students are necessary to bring into the system, we want to make sure they are appropriately placed in safe work place situations... We want to ensure where necessary they are provided with all levels of personal protective equipment that they need to stay safe."

 Students that are willing, will have the chance to provide a helping hand in the front-line, completing tasks such as staffing fever clinics, taking temperatures and bathing at Hunter hospitals.

Mr Holmes says assurances need to be made, students will be supervised and supported throughout their shifts, and believes they should be paid for the valuable work they perform.

"We believe they should be employed and paid for this work. Like every worker, they are putting their life at some risk and deserve to be paid for it," he says.

"This is a unique situation where we need to utilize additional staff but we do need to make sure they're safe, their practice is safe and that we can deliver the best possible care in these extraordinary situation."

Concerns have been raised over the availability of masks within the health care system, an issue Mr Holmes says his organisation is sending strong messages to the Ministry of Health about.

"That is an issue which is under constant attention, and we will continue to advocate for our members around the proper provision of personal protective equipment," he says.

"There are masks available, they're just made available on a limited basis. Many people are concerned about the fact this disease is contagious before its symptomatic, which puts many people working in the health system on edge."

"We would appeal to people to not steal masks and sanitizer out of our health system, which is an unfortunate reality that our members have experienced."

Image Credit: University of Newcastle 

Two Women in Critical Condition at John Hunter, Following Lake Macquarie Crash

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Two women,  aged 74 and 65 were in a critical condition in John Hunter Hospital, following a two car crash in Jewells in Lake Macquarie at around 10:20 am on Wednesday morning.

3 Ambulance crews were called to the scene, with one woman found in a critical condition after sustaining head injuries and going into the cardiac arrest during the incident



The other woman sustained pelvic injuries whilst trapped in her vehicle.

The crash investigation unit, Police and Transport NSW remain on scene, traffic is affected in both directions.

South bound traffic is using the bus lane to pass the crash site and there is no right turn into, or out of, Ntaba road.

Woman Charged After Allegedly Spitting On and Punching Charlestown Supermarket Employee

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A woman is due to face court on Wednesday the 25th of March, after allegedly spitting in a supermarket employees face and punching him in the chest inside a Charlestown shopping centre on Tuesday.

Shortly after 5pm  police were called to a supermarket following reports a 52-year-old woman was becoming aggressive towards staff members.

Officers were told the woman was banned from the store after a verbal altercation with staff at the weekend and was asked to leave as per the banning notice.

Police allege the woman verbally abused and threatened a 46-year-old male staff member before punching him in the chest and spitting in his face.

A 33-year-old male security guard intercepted the woman before she allegedly verbally abused and slapped him.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District arrived a short time later and arrested the woman, taking her to Belmont Police Station where she charged with two counts of common assault and an outstanding arrest warrant.

She was refused bail to face Belmont Local Court today (Wednesday 25 March 2020).

Muswellbrook Driver Charged Over Alleged High Range Drink Driving and Coughing on Police, Claiming to Have Covid-19

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A 42-year-old man has been charged with alleged high range driving, and coughing on a Police Officer during a breath test, claiming to have Covid-19, in Muswellbrook.

About 4.15pm on Tuesday, Police officers noticed a Holden Commodore stopped in the middle of the road on the Pacific High Way.

As police approached the vehicle, it allegedly drove off, before stopping on Tobruk Avenue.

The driver was subjected to a roadside breath test, allegedly returned a breath analysis reading of 0.274.

Police allege the man claimed in court he had COVID-19 and intentionally coughed at the Police Officer when he was asked to submit to a breath test.

He was granted conditional bail charged with high range drinking driving and assaulting a Police Officer, he is due to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court on Monday 6 April 2020.

Motorists Getting Back Up To Speed On The M1 Pacific Motorway

BY IAN CROUCH

Long-suffering motorists will soon have a faster trip between Newcastle and Sydney.

After almost 2 years of construction roadworks, the southbound lanes of the M1 Pacific Motorway between the Kariong and Somersby interchanges are expected to return to a speed limit of 110 km/h from this Friday March 27.

All three new southbound lanes will be open and motorists are being advised to drive to the conditions and follow new line marking and signage.

However, the RMS is advising some sections of the M1 are still under construction and will remain at 80 km/h.

The work is one of 3 major upgrade projects on the M1 which also includes upgrading the motorway between the Tuggerah and Doyalson interchanges and the upgrade of the Weakleys Drive and John Renshaw Drive intersection, costing $391.6 million.

The Kariong to Somerby upgrade involves widening the motorway to 3 lanes in each direction and lengthening and widening three of the four ramps at the Kariong Interchange.

It's expected the northbound lanes of the Kariong to Somersby upgrade will go to the 110km/h speed limit by mid year.

The M1 Pacific Motorway Upgrade In Progress Picture: RMS

Hunter Dry Cleaners Urge Minister to Put Them on Essential Services List to Avoid Shut Down

BY SAM BARTLETT

Hunter Dry Cleaners are urging the Federal Health Minister to place their businesses on the essential services list and ensure they are not shut down due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Islington based Pride Dry Cleaning and Laundry owner Jennie Lyons says the processes they use actually kill viruses and bacteria which cling to clothing.

"The dry cleaning process itself, it can actually kill viruses and bacteria as well so we're front line people," she says. 

Mrs Lyons says from a community perspective it is critical for dry cleaning to continue so they can serve residents and facilities that need it most, as hospitals are filled and resources become stretched thin, she says dry cleaners may be essential in cleaning and recycling sheets and other items.

"If disposable coverings become increasingly in short supply then the extra safeguard of proper cleaning of uniforms, sheets towels and similar items will be vital in the fight against COVID-19," she says. 

“Doctors, nurses and other hospital workers, ambulance officers, Police, medical centre staff, aged care facility staff, hotel staff, supermarket staff, bank staff and teachers can use our services to feel secure that they are going to work and coming home to their families with properly cleaned work clothing." 

Ms Lyons is also fighting to keep her business going to support the livelihoods of her and her staff.

“I want to keep as many of my staff working for as long as possible,” she said. 

Last year Mrs Lyons lost her husband to cancer and she is determined that this virus won't shut her business or leave her employees without a job.

"I won't let COVID-19 defeat me or my community."

The Dry Cleaning Institute is petitioning the Federal Health Minister to be placed on the list with many centers already implementing drop-off and pick-up services to reduce human contact.

Overseas, dry cleaners and laundries have been accepted as essential services which may also help in stopping infection.

                                Image: Google Images

UPDATE! Child Approached At Scone

BY IAN CROUCH


Police are appealing for public assistance as they attempt to clarify the circumstances surrounding a reported child approach at Scone overnight.

An eight-year-old girl has told Hunter Valley Police, she was in the front yard of her home when a man got out of a ute and grabbed her by the wrist about 6pm on Monday.

The child pulled away and ran indoors and alerted her mother, but the vehicle had left the scene.

Police are now inquiring into the incident and are appealing for anyone with information.

They have a description of a man they believe may be able to assist with inquiries.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance aged about 40, with a thin build, short brown hair and a tattoo on his right hand.

At the time he was wearing a red shirt and green shorts and left in a red utility.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Muswellbrook Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.


EARLIER

Hunter Valley police are asking for help to identify a car believed involved in a child approach incident at Scone overnight.

Police say a red utility was seen in Waverley Street at about 6pm.

Anyone who saw the car is urged to contact Muswellbrook Police Station or Crime Stoppers.

More to come.

Man Swept To His Death At Port Stephens

BY IAN CROUCH

A report is being prepared for the Coroner after a man was swept off rocks and drowned at Port Stephens.

Police say two men were on the rocks at Boulder Bay south of Fingal Bay yesterday morning when they were swept into the water by a wave.

Two friends nearby threw life jackets to the men but only one was able to grab it.

Surf Lifesavers were alerted and found the body of a 32-year-old man from Merrylands in Sydney.

The other man was rescued and taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

Investigations are continuing.

BREAKING! Police Investigate Armed Robbery At Belmont

BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are searching for a man who held up a fast food restaurant at Belmont.

The man walked into the McDonalds outlet on the Pacific Highway just after 10.30pm on Sunday and threatened a worker with knife while demanding cash.

He was handed a small sum of money from the cash til before running off.

No-one was injured and police are checking CCTV footage in a bid to identify the suspect.

Total Number of Cases of COVID-19 in Hunter New England Rises to 18, Drive through Screening Clinic Opens at Belmont

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Hunter New England Health announced they are now providing care and support to five additional people confirmed to have COVID-19.

•  A female in her 50s and a male in his 60s are in home isolation after recently returning from Italy 
• A female in her 20s is in home isolation after recently returning from a Pacific cruise 
•  A male in his 70s is in home isolation; he is a relative of a previously reported confirmed case of COVID-19  
•  A female in her late teens is in home isolation after recently returning from Canada. 

This brings the total number of Cases of COVID-19 in the Hunter New England area to 18. 

HNEH says health staff continue to undertake daily wellness checks with all confirmed cases in the District and is contacting close contacts of the new cases, who are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days from last contact and will be contacted every day to check that they are well and will be tested for the infection if they develop symptoms.

A fourth drive through COVID-19 clinic has also been opened at Belmont Hospital, where people can be screened via phone on 4923 2211 between 8am-4pm, seven days a week, before presenting.

The Belmont Hospital COVID-19 clinic joins those already operating at John Hunter, Maitland and Calvary Mater Newcastle hospitals. 

Public Health Physician Dr Tony Merritt says,  “I understand there are concerns out in the community about the location of people confirmed to have COVID-19. These are challenging and confronting times, and I understand people’s desire to know as much as they can to best protect themselves against this virus."

“You can rest assured that anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 and their close contacts are either being treated in hospital or are in self-isolation to ensure there is no ongoing risk of infection to others in the community," Dr Merritt says.

“Locations where these people with COVID-19 live, work or have visited do not pose any ongoing risk to the public. And it’s important that we respect their privacy while they recover. Those in self-isolation are doing a great service for our community; it’s them that will make the biggest difference in slowing the spread of this virus."

“I want to assure the community that as we have done over the past weeks, and in line with national protocols, we will let the community know of any public locations where there has been a known risk of infection. This is so you can monitor symptoms and seek medical assistance if you become unwell."

“As the number of cases in our District continues to rise, I want to stress how important it is for everyone to do their bit. Wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, maintain social distancing and stay home if you’re unwell."

Hunter GP Surgery Hours Extended, and Outdoor Dining Restrictions Relaxed

BY PIPER WILSON/ ISABEL EVERETT

Newcastle Council will be discussing the development of a COVID-19  economic resilience package, and will change conditions on supermarkets, doctors’ surgeries and outdoor dining restaurants to help cope with the corona virus outbreak.

Newcastle Council say they have been working with the NSW Government to ease pressure by giving supermarkets  more flexible delivery times and truck movements, allowing doctors’ surgeries to stay open longer and lifting restrictions on the use of footpaths for food premises to help patrons practice effective social distancing. 

"The more flexible approach will allow essential businesses and service providers to operate more responsively to the City’s changing needs in line with the latest advice from the NSW Government," Newcastle Council said. 

“One of the ways we can help ease pressures right now is to be pragmatic in our approach to regulation in line with the latest advice from the NSW Government,” Lord Mayor of Newcastle Nuatali Nelmes said. 

“Supermarkets struggling to meet unprecedented demand can increase the number of daily deliveries, and their delivery trucks can arrive later or earlier than usual to help ensure shelves remain stocked." 

"We only ask that businesses let their neighbors know about the changes and likewise ask for understanding from nearby residents. " 

Medical practices will also be able to stay open longer or set up flexible testing arrangements aiming to ease the demand on hospitals and support our wonderful health system and front line medicos.

“Restaurateurs will enjoy more flexibility with outdoor dining options for safe social distancing in line with Government directives as we continue to use levers at our disposal to facilitate community and economic resilience," Councillor Nelmes said. 

Councillor Nelmes says the  approach complements the Community and Economic Resilience package currently under development by City of Newcastle staff.

The 'Community and Economic Resilience Package', will be discussed at Tuesday night's ordinary council meeting, and will respond to the economic and social disruption of the corona virus in the Newcastle area. 

The Council has raised concerns people may need to be in isolation for unknown periods, resulting in small businesses facing supply chain issues, reduced economic activity and an increased unemployment rate. 

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor, Declan Clausen, says the package will look at ways of developing the skills, accelerating digital literacy and growing community cohesion among local businesses.

"It is important businesses have the opportunity to engage in training so they can work efficiently online, especially when it is harder to meet face to face''.

''Local businesses are being encouraged to contact council if they are struggling to operate in such unprecedented times, and we will work to get consent conditions relaxed".

Meanwhile, Newcastle Council continues to work with government agencies to limit the spread of the virus.

A decision has been made to close Fort Scratchley until further notice, to protect the visitors and volunteers from the Fort Scratchley Historical Society who run the facility.

The closure is consistent with advice from Museums & Galleries of NSW encouraging all volunteer-run museums and galleries to close and for all volunteer support programs to be suspended temporarily.

Newcastle Councils broader volunteer services have also been suspended temporarily. 

                                           Image Credit: Booking.com

Bar Beach Thief Believed to Be Targeting Elderly Charged

BY ISABEL EVERETT 

A 43-year-old Bar Beach man has been arrested on parole, charged with a number of aggravated break and enter offences, believed to be targeting elderly people. 

Investigations into break and enter offences by Newcastle City Target Action Group has resulted in the arrest of the man, who has been refused bail to face court in May 2020.

Property including cash, jewellery, cameras and postcards have been seized, which police believe has been stolen in recent months. 

Anyone able to identify the owners of the items are being urged to ring police on 02 49266581 and quote event number E73034130.